A method and device for separating overspray from the cabin exhaust air of coating systems which is laden with overspray, wherein the overspray is taken up by an air flow and conveyed to an electrostatically operating separating device. There, the bulk at least of the solids is separated from the overspray at a separating area of at least one separating surface. A cohesive material web is used as a separating agent, which is disposed at least partly along the separating area of the at least one separating surface and during operation of the separating device is electrically conductive at least in the separating area of the at least one separating surface.